Our Story

How it all began. . .

Dr. Brent Saik, President of Alberta Sports Vision Institute, is a truly remarkable individual who is an inspiration and an example to us all. Brent is an exemplary member of the Edmonton and Strathcona communities, generously contributing his time and funds, and has been an outstanding volunteer fundraiser for the Alberta Cancer Foundation in support of the Cross Cancer Institute since 1996.

Brent’s relationship with the Cross Cancer Institute began in 1994 when he lost his father Terry Saik to cancer. One of Terry’s final wishes was that Brent would carry on the Saik legacy of community support and continue raising funds for the Alberta Cancer Foundation in support of the Cross Cancer Institute.

Brent made good on his promise and in 1996 he began the Annual Terry Saik Memorial Golf Tournament. The event has raised nearly $35,000 to date. In 2003, 2005, 2008 and 2011 Brent organized one of the most successful events in the history of the Alberta Cancer Foundation – The World’s Longest Hockey Game. The initial game held in memory of his father raised $150,000 which went to purchasing a gene-analyzer which is used in pediatric cancer research at the Cross Cancer Institute.

Two years later, the World’s Longest Hockey Game doubled the amount previously raised – a record $350,000 – in loving memory of Brent’s wife, Susan, who succumbed to cancer in June 2003. Funds from the 2005 game were directed towards the purchase of a microarray platform.

In 2008, Brent and his team surpassed previous records by raising an unprecedented $558,468 which allowed the Cross Cancer Institute to purchase a confocal microscope.

In 2011 this event resulted in a whopping $1,100,000 going toward a new linear accelerator used in radiation treatments for the Cross Cancer Institute.

But perhaps more important than any sum of money raised was the display of humanity and the indomitable spirit of a man, so deeply touched by cancer, that captured the heart of a nation and motivated them to join Dr. Brent Saik in redefining the future of cancer. Brent’s demonstration of character, courage and generosity is truly admirable.

Dr. Brent Saik’s passion for our great cause and personal leadership make him an incredible partner on the journey towards a cancer-free future and supporter of the Alberta Cancer Foundation. Despite his tremendous loss as a result of cancer, he is undaunted and proudly states that his goal is to put everyone out of work at the Cross Cancer Institute by finding a cure. His demonstration of character and unrelenting hope for a cure is a source of encouragement and inspiration for us all.

Dr. Brent Saik is among the most respected and valued volunteers at the Alberta Cancer Foundation. No event in the history of the Alberta Cancer Foundation has captured the hearts and pride of Canadians like the World’s Longest Hockey Game, generating donations from across the continent. In the words of a grateful patient in a note accompanying her donation following the 240 hour game, “Thank you for enduring the pain you did to raise funds to lessen the pain of others.”

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